Abstract:
Unwholesome water for both domestic and industrial purposes constitute a serious health risk. An assessment of the quality of water utilized in the domestic, industrial and commercial ventures, was carried out, using two approaches: (a) a survey on water utilization in food industries in Accra and Tema. Twenty food processing industries were evaluated on storage of water, the mode of cleaning of storage receptacles, quality control of water, treatment of water within the factory .and problems encountered in production which might be related to water quality. Responses were analyzed using DBase 3 plus computer software. The survey revealed that, there was poor water quality management practices in most of the food processing industries visited. (b) Laboratory analysis of the microbiological status, physical parameters and chemical constituents of the water samples from two main sources of supply; Weija and Kpong, was performed. Water supplied by Weija and Kpong Water Works, were both generally potable. The sodium, calcium and alkalinity of water were higher in Weija water samples than in Kpong water samples. In the rural areas, water from boreholes and deep wells maybe able to meet bacteriological standards if protected, but water from such sources found in Ga Rural District, was not aesthetically pleasing to consumers because of high salt content. Iced water and water served in informal food service centres were found to be microbiologically contaminated, some with microbes of faecal origin and therefore, may be injurious to human health.
